CASE STUDY : Complex Pregnancy

Introduction

Some women will experience a variety of complications during pregnancy that will require treatment. More complex cases may require multiple treatment interventions to address underlying issues.

Presentation

A 37-year-old client with severe endometriosis and an AMH 1.8 (meaning a low egg reserve) was going to do one IVF round only of at Genea. Miraculously, she got one precious fertilised embryo.

Treatment

I treated her pre- and post-transfer. The embryo implanted successfully!

From week 4, she suffered from severe nausea and vomiting, anxiety, cramps. Initially, she assumed the symptoms were related to her endometriosis returning. Blood tests showed a positive pregnancy. According to TCM, vomiting and nausea is often done to "Rebellious Qi".

I used points to redirect energy, reducing nausea and vomiting. I used a special Kidney point, known as the ‘beautiful baby point' to reduce her painful uterine cramping.

Then, at 9/40 weeks, she had some spotting and was very upset. At this point we did some moxibustion (a special Chinese medicine technique using the herb Mugwort) over a special Spleen point; when the Spleen is weak it can't contain the blood and also a threatened miscarriage acupuncture treatment to secure the pregnancy. She reported that the next day the bleeding had stopped.

Fortunately, the 12-week nuchal scan went very well. At week 13 she suffered from more cramping and bleeding, her obstetrician, Dr Krishnan, said she had a haemorrhage/ tear in the capsule, due to the stretching of the scar tissue related to the endometriosis.

At 24/40 she was told she had placenta praevia and at 30/40 diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I focused her weekly treatments on nourishing the Spleen (which relates to 'sinking' placenta and helps with regulating her blood sugar levels).

At 32/40 she was vomiting blood, had heart burn, and a red skin rash. She also reported having extreme fatigue. I focused on settling rebellious stomach Qi, and boosting her Kidney and Spleen energy.

From 36/40 she had to stay at RPA hospital due to more bleeding and high insulin levels. I treated her at the hospital and did points to regulate her insulin, reduce anxiety and help secure the pregnancy.

At 37/40 she had an emergency C-section and Dr Krishnan found velamentous insertion of cords as well as vasa praevia (meaning a high risk of still birth). Luckily, little 'Ike' came out alive and kicking.

I helped regulate her Postnatal hormones, speed up recovery time from emergency surgery, boost her energy, blood and milk supply.

A complex case like this shows the benefits of having a doctor of Chinese medicine on your holistic care team.

I’m proud to report that her child will turn eight in 2021!